letters patent

plural noun Law.

a written or printed instrument issued by a sovereign power, conferring upon a patentee some right, as the exclusive right to land or the exclusive right to make, use, and sell an invention for a limited time.

Origin of letters patent

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Words nearby letters patent

letterman, letterpress, letters, letters of administration, letters of credence, letters patent, letters testamentary, letterset, letterspace, letterwood, lettic

Example sentences from the Web for letters patent

There was nothing to do but pawn his precious first machine and the letters-patent.

Famous Days in the Century of Invention |Gertrude L. Stone
The estate of La Bastie was entailed by letters-patent issued about the end of April.

Modeste Mignon |Honore de Balzac
Later, and more especially in connection with his letters-patent, I had the pleasure of doing my host some service.

The Lily of the Valley |Honore de Balzac
For the alum-work at Commotau in Bohemia, the first letters-patent were granted in 1558.

A History of Inventions, Discoveries, and Origins, Volume I (of 2) |Johann Beckman

The Company, subsequently known and chartered as the Clothworkers, was first incorporated by letters-patent of Edw.

The Story of London |Henry B. Wheatley

British Dictionary definitions for letters patent

letters patent

pl n

See patent (def. 6)

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

letters patent

plural noun Law.

Origin of letters patent

Words nearby letters patent

Example sentences from the Web for letters patent

British Dictionary definitions for letters patent

pl n

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

letters patent

plural noun Law.

Origin of letters patent

Words nearby letters patent

Example sentences from the Web for letters patent

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pl n

British Dictionary definitions for letters patent